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Key characteristics

Family: Lamiaceae
Height: 24 to 36 in
Width: 24 to 36 in
Flower color: Red and white bicolor tubular flowers that may appear all red or all white at times
Foliage color: Bright green, small aromatic leaves forming a dense, bushy mound
Bloom time: Late spring through fall
Light: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Maintenance: Low, shear lightly after heavy bloom cycles to encourage fresh growth
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 10
Wildlife: Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies

Perennials

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'

Hot Lips Sage

Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' bears tubular flowers that open white at the base and deepen to bright red at the tips, often shifting in balance as temperatures change. The blooms rise above small, aromatic, mid-green leaves that form a neat, lightly textured canopy. Flowering begins in late spring and continues into fall, reflecting its origins in southwestern North America and its selection from naturally occurring forms adapted to long blooming seasons.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to moderate

Bloom time

Late spring through fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Hummingbird Gardens
Waterwise Gardens

Companion plants

Shasta daisies · Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)